Page 8 - The Outdoor Showman magazine January-March 2023

2023
IPSWICH SHOWGROUNDS
CELEBRATING 150 YEARS
IPSWICH SHOW 150TH ANNIVERSARY
This year the Ipswich Show will celebrate another landmark year in its cultural history as we celebrate Ipswich Show’s 150th Anniversary with a significant program of events and celebrations to be held across the three-day event on the 19, 20 and 21 May to mark this historic occasion.
The Ipswich Show Society, formally called the Ipswich Agricultural and Horticultural Society, was established on the 14th of March 1866, which then became the Queensland Pastoral and Agricultural Society, established on 28th of August 1872.
The first show was held on 13th
May 1873 at a site in Churchill facing the Bremer River and subsequently moved to its present site on Warwick Road in 1877. The original size of the Showgrounds has increased three times over the years as more space was required due to the continued grow of the Show. The Show is one of the largest and long running community show in Queensland and has been a major drawcard for both local residents and visitors.
The Ipswich Show Society is
proud of its record in providing an exhilarating and exciting nightly entertainment in the Main Arena, which was not introduced until lighting was available on the ring in 1904 by acetylene gas and later by electricity. Over the course of our 150 years the Show has presented Special High Jump, Handicap Trots, Schoolboy Pony Races, Billy Goat Races, Tug-O-War, Dirt Karts, Demolition Derby, Speedway Cars and of course Spectacular Fireworks.
One of its most popular displays has been the Animal Nursery. According to members of the Showman’s Guild, the animal nursery was the first of its kind in South-East Queensland. In 1970, the old home for pigs was used as an enclosure for baby animals and their mothers. Ken Roberts would contact animal owners in our local community and ask if they had any newborn animals that could be on display for the duration of the Show. Due to its ever-increasing popularity a purpose-built nursery was constructed, and the Ipswich Show Animal Nursery was created. Over the years there has been some wild and unusual animals on display including lion cubs from the now disbanded Lion Park at Yatala.
Artists from across Australia have come to entertain the audiences including Johnny Wonder, who at the time was Australia’s Number 1 stunt man and held the Guinness Record for the longest jump, Julie Anthony and Barry Crocker, Justice Crew who at the time was Australia’s NUMBER ONE Hip Hop pop act, Savage Garden, Don Spencer and Skippy the Kangaroo to name a few.
As we reflect on our past it would be rude to not acknowledge Showmen’s Guild who have worked closely with Ipswich Show Society over many years. As Side-show alleys have changed from manually driven Razzle Dazzle, wooden
Helter Skelter, popular carousels, coaster rides and dodgem cars the continued support from Showmen’s Guild has allowed the Show to entertain and delight its attendees with thrilling and dazzling rides.
Ipswich Show Society proudly delivers a program that truly reflects the region’s colourful characters and the agricultural, pastoral, horticultural and industrial wealth of the district. The Show provides opportunities to reflect on the values and aspirations of its community; celebrate achievement ranging from excellence in cattle breeding to the beauty
of a delicate piece of embroidery; showcase local talent and emerging artists and provid a place of both education and entertainment.
To celebrate the 150th anniversary the Ipswich Show Society will host a full celebration to reflect on its past and embark on its next 150 years.
Highlights include:
Main Arena
The Main Arena is the heart of the Ipswich Show, presenting a jam-packed entertainment program across the three days. Prestigious equestrian events are held daily including show jumping, dressage and showing. Lunchtime entertainment including Hot Wheels Stunt Team and Airtime FMX shows will delight visitors daily.
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